Collectable, tradable finger puppet friends

ABSTRACT

An articulating finger covering which are collectable and tradeable structured and arranged having interchangeable attachment members to allow children to make new connections and meet friends in their neighborhoods and beyond.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is related to and claims priority from prior provisional application Ser. No. 62/548,864, filed Aug. 22, 2017 which application is incorporated herein by reference.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 37 CFR 1.71(d).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention(s). It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art, or material, to the presently described or claimed inventions, or that any publication or document that is specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of children's toy and more specifically relates to an articulating finger covering which are collectable and tradeable structured and arranged having interchangeable attachment members to allow children to make new connections and meet friends in their neighborhoods and beyond.

2. DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

Remember the days when kids used to play together without devices? Now it seems like every toy has an app and every kid has a social media account. Children are becoming increasingly dependent on technology. With this dependence on technology beginning at such a young age, fewer and fewer children are playing with toys while unfortunately no longer making real-life connections while building social skills. A primary reason for this is that such toys do not engage the children enough.

Ideally, an articulating finger covering for forming a snowman should be user-friendly and safe in-use and yet would operate reliably and be manufactured at a modest expense. Thus, a need exists for an articulating finger covering which are collectable and tradeable structured and arranged having interchangeable attachment members to allow children to make new connections and meet friends in their neighborhoods and beyond and to avoid the above-mentioned problems.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known of children's toys art, the present invention provides a novel Articulating Finger Covering (Entitled Collectable, Tradable Finger Puppet Friends). The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail is to provide an articulating finger covering which are collectable and tradeable structured and arranged having interchangeable attachment members to allow children to make new connections and meet friends in their neighborhoods and beyond.

An articulating finger covering comprising: a finger sleeve and a plurality of attachment members. The finger sleeve includes: an elongated cylindrical body adapted to removably fit over a finger; a proximal end; a distal end; a plurality of spaced vent holes therethrough; and a plurality of spaced connectors. Wherein the proximal end includes a rim portion there around and forms an opening therethrough. Wherein the distal end includes spaced rim portions there around. Wherein the plurality of attachment members are adapted to be movably and removably attached to respective said plurality of spaced connectors.

A finger puppet assembly comprises: a plurality of articulating finger puppets, each comprising a finger sleeve and a plurality of attachment members; dice; a pouch; a plurality of trading cards; a peg shelf; and a travel case. Wherein the dice are adapted to be used to play games with the plurality of articulating finger puppets. Wherein the pouch is adapted to removably hold and store the dice and the plurality of articulating finger puppets therein. Wherein the plurality of trading cards are respectively adapted to represent respective the plurality of articulating finger puppets and adapted used to be used to play games therewith. Wherein the peg shelf is adapted to be attached to a supporting structure and releasably hold each of the articulating finger puppets thereon for display. Wherein the travel case is adapted to removably hold and store the pouch with the dice and the plurality of articulating finger puppets therein, the plurality of trading cards, and the peg shelf therein.

The present invention holds significant improvements and serves as an Articulating Finger Covering. For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and method(s) of use for the present invention, an Articulating Finger Covering (Entitled Collectable, Tradable Finger Puppet Friends), constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view illustrating a finger sleeve having connector members formed as plugs of the articulating finger covering according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a finger sleeve having connector members formed as apertures of the articulating finger covering according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a bottom view illustrating a proximal end having a rim portion forming an opening therethrough on the finger sleeve of the articulating finger covering according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a having a plurality of attachment members to be inserted on the finger sleeve of the articulating finger covering according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is front perspective view illustrating the finger covering having a plurality of attachment members in an assembled condition according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is back side perspective view illustrating the finger covering in an assembled condition having plurality of attachment members according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a plurality of attachment members having elongated laces attached thereto adapted to pass through apertures to thereby releasably connect the plurality of attachment members with said elongated laces to the finger sleeve finger sleeve according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is another back perspective view illustrating the finger covering in an assembled condition according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating the articulating finger covering in an in-use condition on a finger of a use according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating a finger puppet assembly of the articulating finger covering according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1.

The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As discussed above, embodiments of the present invention relate to a children's toy and more particularly to an Articulating Finger Covering (Entitled Collectable, Tradable Finger Puppet Friends) which are collectable and tradeable structured and arranged having interchangeable attachment members to allow children to make new connections and meet friends in their neighborhoods and beyond

Generally speaking, the collectable, tradable Finger Friends parts and accessories are a fun way for kids to make new connections and meet friends in their neighborhoods and beyond. Win, trade, collect and connect! Finger Friends are a great way to get kids to turn off the tech and really connect! Children can get to know the other kids in their community as they collect and swap accessories. Additional trading cards and dice games extend the fun and create new opportunities to expand collections and trade parts.

The present invention is a set of customizable finger puppets having interchangeable features. Each finger puppet comprises a flexible rubber finger sleeve as a base, with an elastic skirt at the opening, vent holes, and a series of plugs to attach accessories and features. The features may be arms, heads, chest, and back decorations, tools, and other toy accessories to give character to the finger puppets. The accessories are interchangeable, allowing users to customize their puppet to suit their liking.

In one embodiment, each finger puppet is formed from a polyester material, so that holes for accessories can be incorporated (e.g. hats, glasses, arms, etc.). The accessories will lace into the holes and they will tie them on from the inside. Preferably the set of finger puppets is washable. In one embodiment, the present invention further includes a washable pouch to wash the set of finger puppets in, wherein the washable pouch prevents finger puppets from getting lost in the wash. In another embodiment, the present invention is made from a rubber material with plastic fittings to attach the plastic accessory pieces.

The finger puppets can be used in connection with a variety of games and supporting products such as dice, trading cards, and gaming boards. This encourages the users to use their finger puppets as game pieces, trading items, characters in a narrative and more. In one embodiment, the present invention further includes a trading card. The trading card may include a picture of a finger puppet or other information in regards to the finger puppet. The trading card provides an option to trade something, when it comes to the children challenging each other. Trading cards will be sold as well, to match the finger friends. The dice game will give kids a chance to collect the cards, seeking to find the match to their finger puppet friend. The dice game could come with multicolored D10's D8's D20's with custom symbols on the dice to indicate the rules of 5 the game. The game gets kids to trade, ante up, gamble. They can win the entire finger friend or components and accessories.

The present invention may further include a “Fingo” card that can be used with the trading cards. The Fingo card is like a Bingo card, but the tiles are the Trading Cards. The reverse side of the Fingo card could be for checkers.

In one embodiment, the present invention further includes a peg shelf. The peg shelf has pre-drilled holes and/or pegs to set finger puppets on and display them in a room, like kids do with trophies. The peg shelf can be customizable, wherein children can paint or otherwise modify the peg shelf. This can become a craft session for kids, where they can paint and put stickers on their shelves. The pegs can also be used to retain finger puppet accessories like vehicles such as a bus or space ship.

In one embodiment, the present invention further includes a cabinet display. The cabinet display is a decorative storage unit that boys and girls can hang on their walls and close up when not in use. For example, for little girls, they may want a princess castle that opens up and displays their friends on pegs using internal shelves. For boys, the cabinet display may be designed as a rocket.

In one embodiment, the present invention further includes a travel case. The travel case allows users to easily transport the finger puppets and accessories to other locations. The travel case may include casters, wheels, or other similar mechanisms that allows the travel case to be pulled or pushed along the ground. The travel case may further include a logo or brand name located externally in order to provide brand marketing. In one embodiment, the present invention further includes a towel. The towel has fully enclosed sleeves with finger puppets stitched to all fingers. The towel will fit the children like a coat and will stay on them as long as the sleeves are being used. The towel is ideal for water parks and would be a huge souvenir for kids to have when they leave the park or while they are at the park.

In one embodiment, the present invention further includes a bio card. The bio card has a personal picture of a senior citizen or a military veteran that has the same name as the finger puppet. For example, if the finger puppet has the name of Wacky William, the bio card would include the information of a William from an adult day care facility or that is a military vet.

In another possible iteration of the invention, select designs of the finger puppets will include information on how to write to the character represented by the puppet. Whereby correspondence from the user(s) will be directed to a correspondent who replies in character to the users, adding another element of depth to the character concepts and interaction between the user and the finger puppet. The present invention may feature a pen pal kit. The pen pal kit includes stationary, stickers, a pen, and envelopes for kids to write to their Finger Friend.

Creatively Fun Features:

-   -   Personalize your Finger Friends with interchangeable parts,         including arms, legs, hats, wigs, googly eyes and more     -   Collect and trade your Finger Friends and accessories for a         great way to meet new friends     -   Mix and match your characters to keep your collection fresh     -   Optional trading card and dice game add-ons     -   All-ages fun—no tech required!

Referring to the drawings by numerals of reference there is shown in FIGS. 1-9, perspective views illustrating articulating finger covering 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Articulating finger covering 100 comprising: finger sleeve 110 and plurality of attachment members 400. Finger sleeve 110 includes: elongated cylindrical body 120 adapted to removably fit over finger 910 as shown in in-use condition 900 of FIG. 9; proximal end 130; distal end 140; plurality of spaced vent holes 150 therethrough; and plurality of spaced connectors 160. Wherein proximal end 130 includes rim portion 300 there around and forms opening 310 therethrough as shown in FIG. 3. Wherein finger sleeve 110 further includes elastic skirt 314 attached to rim portion 300 of proximal end 130 and extending around opening 310. Wherein distal end 140 includes spaced rim portions 142 there around.

Wherein finger sleeve 110 may formed from rubber. Wherein finger sleeve may also formed from polyester. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as user preferences, design preference, structural requirements, marketing preferences, cost, available materials, technological advances, etc., other material arrangements such as, for example, plastic, etc., may be sufficient.

Wherein connector members 160 are formed as plugs 164 as shown in FIG. 1. Wherein connector members 160 are formed as apertures 200 therethrough as shown in FIG. 2. Wherein some of plurality of attachment members 400 include elongated laces 700 attached thereto adapted to pass through apertures 200 and thereby releasably connect plurality of attachment members 400 with elongated laces 700 to finger sleeve 110 as shown in FIG. 7.

Wherein plurality of attachment members 400 are adapted to be movably and removably attached to respective plurality of spaced connectors 160. Wherein some of plurality of attachment members 160 are formed having a shape resembling a body part chosen from a list of body parts consisting of an arm, a leg, and a head as shown best in FIGS. 4 & 7. Wherein some of plurality of attachment members 400 are formed having a shape resembling a body part chosen from a list of body parts consisting of an arm, a leg, a head, wings, and a tail as shown in FIGS. 4-6. Articulating finger covering further comprising plurality of accessories 400 chosen from a list of accessories consisting of hats, gloves, glasses, fake mustaches, and pocket books, each adapted to be removably attached via friction to one of said finger sleeve and said plurality of attachment members ad shown best in FIGS. 7 & 8.

Referring to the drawings by numerals of reference there is shown in FIG. 10, perspective views illustrating finger puppet assembly 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Finger puppet assembly 1000 comprises: plurality of articulating finger puppets 1010, each comprising finger sleeve 110 and a plurality of attachment members 400; dice 1020; pouch 1030; plurality of trading cards 1040; peg shelf 1050; and travel case 1060. Wherein dice 1020 are adapted to be used to play games with plurality of articulating finger puppets 1010. Wherein pouch 1030 is adapted to removably hold and store dice 1020 and plurality of articulating finger puppets 1010 therein. Wherein plurality of trading cards 1040 are respectively adapted to represent respective plurality of articulating finger puppets 1010 and adapted used to be used to play games therewith. Wherein peg shelf 1050 is adapted to be attached to a supporting structure and releasably hold each of the articulating finger puppets 1010 thereon for display. Wherein travel case 1060 is adapted to removably hold and store pouch 1030 with dice 1020 and plurality of articulating finger puppets 1010 therein, plurality of trading cards 1040, and the peg shelf 1050 therein.

Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other kit contents or arrangements such as, for example, including more or less components, customized parts, different color combinations, parts may be sold separately, etc., may be sufficient.

The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An articulating finger covering comprising: a finger sleeve including: an elongated cylindrical body adapted to removably fit over a finger; a proximal end; wherein said proximal end includes a rim portion there around and forms an opening therethrough; a distal end; wherein said distal end includes spaced rim portions there around; a plurality of spaced vent holes therethrough; and a plurality of spaced connectors; a plurality of attachment members; wherein said plurality of attachment members are adapted to be movably and removably attached to respective said plurality of spaced connectors.
 2. The articulating finger covering of claim 1, wherein said finger sleeve is formed from rubber.
 3. The articulating finger covering of claim 1, wherein said finger sleeve is formed from polyester.
 4. The articulating finger covering of claim 1, wherein said finger sleeve further includes an elastic skirt attached to said rim portion of said proximal end and extending around said opening.
 5. The articulating finger covering of claim 1, wherein said connector members are formed as plugs.
 6. The articulating finger covering of claim 1, wherein said connector members are formed as apertures therethrough.
 7. The articulating finger covering of claim 1, wherein some of said plurality of attachment members are formed having a shape resembling a body part chosen from a list of body parts consisting of an arm, a leg, and a head.
 8. The articulating finger covering of claim 1, wherein some of said plurality of attachment members are formed having a shape resembling a body part chosen from a list of body parts consisting of an arm, a leg, a head, wings, and a tail.
 9. The articulating finger covering of claim 6, wherein some of said plurality of attachment members include elongated laces attached thereto adapted to pass through said apertures and thereby releasably connect said plurality of attachment members with said elongated laces to said finger sleeve.
 10. The articulating finger covering of claim 8, further comprising a plurality of accessories chosen from a list of accessories consisting of hats, gloves, glasses, fake mustaches, and pocket books, each adapted to be removably attached via friction to one of said finger sleeve and said plurality of attachment members.
 11. A finger puppet assembly comprising: a plurality of articulating finger puppets each comprising: a finger sleeve including: an elongated cylindrical body adapted to removably fit over a finger; a proximal end; wherein said proximal end includes a rim portion there around and forms an opening therethrough; a distal end; wherein said distal end includes spaced rim portions there around; a plurality of spaced vent holes therethrough; and a plurality of spaced connectors; a plurality of attachment members; wherein said plurality of attachment members are adapted to be movably and removably attached to respective said plurality of spaced connectors; dice; wherein said dice are adapted to be used to play games with said plurality of articulating finger puppets; a pouch; wherein said pouch is adapted to removably hold and store said dice and said plurality of articulating finger puppets therein; a plurality of trading cards; wherein said plurality of trading cards are respectively adapted to represent respective said plurality of articulating finger puppets and adapted used to be used to play games therewith; a peg shelf; wherein said peg shelf is adapted to be attached to a supporting structure and releasably hold each of said articulating finger puppets thereon for display; and a travel case; wherein said travel case is adapted to removably hold and store said pouch with said dice and said plurality of articulating finger puppets therein, said plurality of trading cards, and said peg shelf therein.
 12. The finger puppet assembly of claim 11, wherein said finger sleeve is formed from a material chosen from a list of materials consisting of rubber and polyester.
 13. The finger puppet assembly of claim 11, wherein said finger sleeve further includes an elastic skirt attached to said rim portion of said proximal end and extending around said opening.
 14. The finger puppet assembly of claim 11, wherein said connector members are formed as plugs.
 15. The finger puppet assembly of claim 11, wherein said connector members are formed as apertures therethrough.
 16. The finger puppet assembly of claim 11, wherein some of said plurality of attachment members are formed having a shape resembling a body part chosen from a list of body parts consisting of an arm, a leg, and a head.
 17. The finger puppet assembly of claim 11, wherein some of said plurality of attachment members are formed having a shape resembling a body part chosen from a list of body parts consisting of an arm, a leg, a head, wings, and a tail.
 18. The finger puppet assembly of claim 15, wherein some of said plurality of attachment members include elongated laces attached thereto adapted to pass through said apertures and thereby releasably connect said plurality of attachment members with said elongated laces to said finger sleeve.
 19. The articulating finger covering of claim 17, further comprising a plurality of accessories chosen from a list of accessories consisting of hats, gloves, glasses, fake mustaches, and pocket books, each adapted to be removably attached via friction to one of said finger sleeve and said plurality of attachment members. 